Carolyn Phelan
Based on a true story gleaned from period journals, this
historical novel
dramatizes the story of Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that
accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition. Along the way,
Seaman befriends a member of the Corps of Discovery and proves
itself to be a valuable contributor to their happiness and
success.
Despite the occasional passage of information-laden
conversation, the
story flows well. The appended author's note separates fact from
fiction to some extent and tells what happened to the main
characters
after the events in the book. James Watling's many handsome,
shaded-pencil drawings will help readers visualize the setting,
hardships, and dramatic moments of the story; and two maps will
enable them to follow the explorers' route. An effective,
fictional
introduction to the Lewis and Clark expedition.
— Booklist
Herbert Kupferbeg
Gail Langer Karwoski has had the delightful idea of making Seaman the central character in her retelling of the epic story of the famous expedition. Seaman: the Dog Who Explored the West With Lewis & Clark ... obviously is a fictionalized account, but its atmosphere is realistic, its timetable is accurate, and its events and characterizations are grounded in fact. Seaman joins the intrepid explorers in the tale with a personality all his own, hunting and retrieving game, toting supplies, battling against wild animals (once almost losing his life when bitten by a beaver) and frolicking with his companions around the evening campfire.
This soundly researched, smoothly written story will bring the entire expedition alive for readers 8 to 12, adding not only a canine but a human element to a tale that never grows wearisome. Nobody knows what happened to Seaman after his Western adventures, but he has certainly left one good book behind him....
— Parade Magazine
Seaman: The Dog Who EXplored The West With Lewis & Clark is a wonderfully written, very highly recommended historical novel. Young readers will thrill to the story of an epic American saga showcased through Lewis' brave and loyal dog Seaman, the first dog to cross the continent and open up the west for the fledgling country of America. Author Gail Karwoski has given meticulous attention to historic detail and background, always the hallmark of a superior historical novel. She combines this with an impressive gift for storytelling that will engage young readers from first page to last. One special and unique feature is the Q & A format for the "Author Notes" at the end of this remarkable work.
